Based on his autobiography L’Instinct de Mort, Mesrine: Killer Instinct is the first of two films which together span twenty years in the life of France’s most notorious criminal, Jacques Mesrine. The complicated genesis of this ambitious project began in 2001, when producer Thomas Langmann (son of producer/director Claude Berri), approached actor Vincent Cassel with the idea. Fascinated by the story, Cassel signed up and began his research for the role. Director Barbet Schroeder then became attached, but Cassel, unhappy with the direction the script was taking, eventually abandoned the production. Other actors were considered, but to no avail, and finally Schroeder too dropped out. Cassel then returned, and Langmann, having seen Jean-François Richet’s 2005 remake of Assault on Precinct 13, suggested Richet as a possible replacement for Schroeder. With Cassel in agreement, Richet came on board, and brought in writer Abdel Raouf Dafri – who was initially reluctant because of Mesrine’s involvement in the Algerian war – to collaborate with him on the script. Although the story had already been adapted into a film in 1984 (Mesrine by André Génovès), the result was disappointing and, after extensive research and development, it became clear that the depth and scale of Richet and Dafri’s interpretation of the subject matter could only be accommodated by making two films. Filmed back to back over nine months, the first of these superb films charts the rise of Mesrine (Cassel) as he returns home from the army and embarks upon a life of violent crime and retribution. From the outset, Richet keeps the action moving, punctuating the gripping drama with memorable set-pieces – including a thrilling jailbreak – whilst gradually unfolding the bigger picture. Amongst the excellent cast, Gérard Depardieu (as powerful local gangster Guido) is outstanding; but it’s the dangerous, unpredictable charisma that Cassel brings to the central role that mesmerises. Clearly immersing himself completely in his complex character, Cassel here begins an absolutely astonishing performance. Expertly handled by Richet, Mesrine: Killer Instinct is the first half of a tale of epic proportions, executed with an explosive flair and a cold, brutal realism of which Hollywood can only dream.